Engagement with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Governments

FDA's Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) understands the importance of collaboration and consultation, as appropriate, with federally-recognized tribal governments, per FDA Tribal Consultation Policy and Executive Order 13715, on the implementation and enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act and related regulations. CTP respects tribal sovereignty and honors the government-to-government relationship we have with federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes.

Federally-Recognized Tribes: Working with CTP

American Indian and Alaska Native population has the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking (about 29%) compared to any other population group in the United States.1 We appreciate that many tribal governments have been working actively to reduce tobacco use within their tribes and to prevent smoking and other tobacco use among tribal youth. Through a collaborative partnership, we can protect the health of Native communities, including youth, by ensuring compliance with the Tobacco Control Act.

We maintain contact with Tribal stakeholders, including Tribal government leaders, Tribal health leaders, public health professionals, and other relevant federal agencies, by various methods:

Retail Inspections on Tribal Lands

FDA is authorized to award tobacco retail inspection contracts to States, Tribes, Territories, and third parties to conduct retail inspections. FDA has awarded contracts within Tribal jurisdictions to help enforce Tobacco Control Act regulations within those jurisdictions. FDA may also use its own personnel to conduct retailer inspections.

The Tobacco Control Act specifically prohibits FDA from contracting with any state to exercise enforcement authority under the Tobacco Control Act in Indian Country without the express written consent from the tribe involved.